impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pə-tən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being impotent: such as

a

: lack of power, strength, or vigor : weakness

… the growing impotence of governments in the face of corporate willfulness and regional factionalism.

—Alan Wexelblat

b

: an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to engage in sexual intercourse because of failure to have or maintain an erection : erectile dysfunction

Synonyms

• inability

Examples of impotence in a Sentence

the congressional committee's essential impotence in affecting the management of the war was frustrating to its members

Recent Examples on the Web

That there is impotence and cancer and infidelity and vanity and loss. —Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025

The rumors of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist. —Rance Collins, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2025

To that end, Democratic impotence in the face of Trump and the GOP has left the party’s voter base increasingly looking for a leader to emerge who can lead the fight against Trump. —Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025

Providers who volunteer and are accepted will agree to seek prior authorization for 17 items and services, including skin substitutes, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease, impotence treatment, and arthroscopy for knee osteoarthritis. —Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pət-ən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being impotent

Medical Definition

impotence

noun

im·​po·​tence ˈim-pət-ən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of not being potent

drug-resistant bacteria are a virulent indicator of the growing impotence of antibiotics

2

: an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to engage in sexual intercourse because of failure to have or maintain an erection

called also erectile dysfunction